Ozone and environment ozone o3 a gas composed of three atoms of oxygen bluish gas that is harmful to breathe nearly 90% of the earths ozone is in the stratosphere and is referred to as the ozone layer ozone absorbs a band of ultraviolet radiation called uvb ozonedepleting substances ods. The ozone layer is important for blocking most of the harmful radiation that comes from the sun. A thinning of the ozone layer also has been observed over other regions of the globe, such as the arctic and northern and southern midlatitudes. Ozone is a blue colored stinking gas made up of three oxygen molecules which are isotope. In the layer surrounding the earths surface, the troposphere, ground level or bad ozone is an air pollutant. Nearly 90% of earths ozone is in the stratosphere and referred to as the ozone layer. Approximately 90 percent of the atmospheres ozone occurs from 1018 km 611 miles to about 50 km about 30 miles above earths surface. So much of what we find on and above earth we need for survival. The ozone layer which is present naturally in the lower layers of the atmosphere helps in eradicating the pollutants from the surface of the earth. Ozone layer, region of the upper atmosphere, between roughly 15 and 35 km 9 and 22 miles above earths surface, containing relatively high. This fact sheet explains the importance of protecting the stratospheric ozone layer. Scientists believe that, about 2 billion years ago, oxygen was being produced by shallowwater marine animals. The ozone layer is important because it filters harmful ultraviolet radiation as it travels from the sun to the surface of the earth.
On this day of september 16, marked as the ozone layer day, let use try to know some of the basics of ozone layer like what is ozone layer, importance of ozone layer, how ozone layer gets depleted, effects of depletion of ozone layer, how to prevent depletion of ozone layer. This outgoing oxygen helped produced the ozone layer. Approximately 90 percent of the atmospheres ozone occurs from 1018 km 611 miles to. In this lesson, you will learn the importance of the ozone layer and how it is depleted. But, it is very important that the world comply with the montreal protocol. Interaction between climate system and ozone layer.
The earths ozone layer ozone layerthe region of the stratosphere containing the bulk of atmospheric ozone. Convention for the protection of the ozone wyer unepig. Importance of the ozone layer whenever you hear terms like uv rays or greenhouse gases the next thing that comes in your mind is the ozone layer. The ozone layer is the common term for the high concentration of ozone that is found in the stratosphere around 1530km above the earths surface. When cfc is released into the atmosphere, they mix with atmospheric. Is depletion of the ozone layer the principal cause of climate change.
Scientists have explored variations and its depletion in larger amounts in the poles which is commonly termed as ozone hole. It protects us from harmful uv rays that can have serious effects on animals, biodiversity and peoples health, including skin cancer and eye cataract. The ozone layer department of agriculture, water and the. The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of earths stratosphere that absorbs most of the suns ultraviolet radiation. The ozone hole is shown in purple above the antarctic on sept. Given that these risks exist even when the ozone layer absorbs about 98 percent of uv light, a future with an even thinner ozone layer is scary indeed.
The ozone layer protects us from excessive levels of harmful ultraviolet uv radiation. The ozone layer is a pretty small part of the atmosphere, consisting of approximately three molecules for every 10 million molecules of air. The ozone layer protects the earth from the harmful uv radiations. Everything on earth is tied together, interdependent on each other. The recognition of the dangers presented by chlorine and bromine to the ozone layer spawned an international effort to restrict the production and the use of cfcs and other halocarbons. The 1987 montreal protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer began the phaseout of cfcs in 1993 and sought to achieve a 50 percent reduction in. Is depletion of the ozone layer the principal cause of. The first report of depletion in o 3 layer came out in the 1980s by an atmospheric scientist in antarctica. In essence, it functions like a sponge and soaks up harmful radiation from the sun. Ozone layer depletion is the gradual thinning of the earths ozone layer in the upper atmosphere caused due tho release of chemical compounds containing gaseous bromine or chlorine from industries or other human activities. Protecting the ozone layer department of the environment.
Ozone is formed when the sunlight hits oxygen molecules o 2 and breaks them up into individual atoms. You should know that the ozone layer is located at the height from 20 to 40 km above the sea level, and it is located in the lower part of the stratosphere layer, as it is the first layer of the atmospheric envelope which contains a suitable amount of oxygen gas, and it also faces the ultraviolet radiations that emitted from the sun. It contains high concentration of ozone o 3 in relation to other parts of the atmosphere, although still small in relation to other gases in the stratosphere. Ozone is an irritating, corrosive, colorless gas with a smell something like burning electrical wiring. The ozone layer is majorly present in the two layers of the atmosphere. As a result the total amount of ozone remains constant.
Ozone layer research and technical resources us epa. The importance of the montreal protocol in protecting climate. Essay and speech on the importance of ozone layer for life and how to protect it. The layer of ozone gas is what which protects us from the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun. In the layer surrounding the earths surface, the troposphere, ground level or bad ozone is an air pollutant that is a key ingredient to. Ozone o3 resembles general gaseous oxygen o3 with an additional oxygen molecule appended to it. The loss in this region is commonly called the ozone hole because the ozone depletion is so large and local ized. Polar vortex in the previous posts, we have studied about tropical cyclones and extra tropical cyclones temperate cyclone. There are a number of chemical reactions that can deplete stratospheric ozone. List of books and articles about ozone layer online.
The ozone layer is important to all life on planet earth because it protects all living things from the effects of suns damaging ultraviolet radiation. The density of ozone gas is not the same in the air. However, the ozone layer is destroyed by manmade chemicals known as ozonedepleting substances ods. Ozone in the stratospherea layer of the atmosphere between 15 and 50 kilometers 10 and 31 miles above usacts as a shield to protect earths surface from the suns harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is also one of the prime reasons which are leading to global warming. Depletion of this layer by ozone depleting substances ods will lead to higher uvb levels, which. After observation of a depletion of the ozone layer from the addition of chlorofluorocarbons and other manmade chemicals, the montreal protocol was. The ozone molecule is unstable and also there is a continuous cycle that goes on leading to the formation of the ozone layer. However, because it occurs in such a low concentration, its vulnerable to ozonedepleting chemicals, such as cfcs.
In the 1960s, a normal ozone layer is clearly evident in the octo ber average profile with a peak near 16 kilometers altitude. Then, when those oxygen atoms come into contact with oxygen gas, they join to become ozone. Why the ozone layer is vital to life on earth the ozone layer is a protective shield that blocks the suns harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the earths surface. When uv rays strike an oxygen molecule, it breaks the oxygen down into two atoms of oxygen. In lower atmosphere, atmospheric oxygen get dissociated and subsequently combines with molecular oxygen of the. The ozone layer lies approximately 1540 kilometers 1025 miles above the earths surface, in the stratosphere. The presence of the gas is the best in the air which is closed to the earth surface. Is there a difference in ozone coverage between different hemispheres. Ozone in the ozone layer is formed by the action of solar ultraviolet light on oxygen. This, in turn, will lead to the breakdown of ozone. Ozone is unstable molecule and maintains a balance between its formation and removal.
The concentration of ozone in the ozone layer is very less but it is very important for human life on earth. To understand the importance of the ozone layer, its crucial to first establish the difference in concentrations of ozone throughout the earths atmosphere. This page provides links to research efforts led by organizations such as the national oceanic and atmospheric administration, the united nations environment program, an. Ozone gas is perceptibly blue in colour and has a characteristic pungent smell. Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the ozone layer present in the atmosphere. However, despite this size, the role the ozone layer plays is an important one. Ozone layer stratospheric ozone is a high concentration of ozone molecules about 30 to 50 km altitude stratosphere. Ground ozone concentration is lower in polar and equatorial regions. Ozone in the stratospherea layer of the atmosphere between 15 and 50 kilometers 10.
The function of the ozone layer is to shield the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and to keep the earth warm. The earths stratospheric ozone layer plays a critical role in absorbing ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. You can find maps of the ozone layer and compare different regions of the globe for ozone coverage. On this day of september 16, marked as the ozone layer day, let use try to know some of the basics of ozone layer like what is ozone layer, importance of ozone layer, how ozone layer gets depleted, effects of depletion of ozone layer, how to prevent depletion of ozone layer, montreal protocol, our role in preventing ozone layer etc. An ongoing international collaboration the most recent wmounep scientific assessment of ozone depletion. Cfcs, hcfcs, halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. The ozone layer is found in the upper regions of the stratosphere where it protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. You will also study the research and policy that has been. Here we will study polar vortex circumpolar vortex which is a polar cyclone. The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation rays and prevents them from coming to the surface of the earth thus saving the human beings from harmful rays. Ozone layer depletion is one of the most serious problems faced by our planet earth. It occurs in the concentration of about 10 ppm in the form of layer at varying heights in stratosphere the thickness of ozone layer is measured in dobson units, where 1 du. First it absorbs some of the higher energy uv rays from the sun in the same way a cloud absorbs and reflect some of the visible light. Ozone layer depletion cause, effects, and solutions.
Pdf there are many situations where human activities have significant effects on the environment. Ozone is a colourless gas which is found in the stratosphere of our upper atmosphere. Given the importance of chiorofluorocarbons cfcs for. How severe is the depletion of the antarctic ozone layer. In the 19902009 average profile, a broad minimum centered near 16 kilometers now occurs with ozone values reduced by up to 90% of normal values. These ultraviolet rays can harm both plant and animal life. An ozone molecule is made up of three oxygen atoms. A polar vortex is a large pocket of very cold air, typically the coldest air in the northern hemisphere, which sits over the polar region during the winter season. The density of ozone gas in the greatest within 1530 km of stratosphere. The parts of the uv light absorbed or reflected is very harsh on the. Ozone layer importance, depletion, effects and protection. If there were no ozone layer, the health of every single living being on planet earth would be threatened.
It covers the entire planet and protects life on earth by absorbing. The ozone layer is located at the height from 20 to 40 km above the sea level, and it is located in the lower part of the stratosphere layer, as it is the first layer of the atmospheric envelope which contains a suitable amount of oxygen gas, and it also faces the ultraviolet radiations that emitted from the sun. The ozone layer prevents most ultraviolet uv and other highenergy radiation from penetrating to the earths surface but does. What is ozone layer, how it is formed, causes and effects of. The main function of the ozone layer is to absorb the suns ultraviolet radiation, hence protecting the earth from its harmful effects. Ozone is a gas in the atmosphere that protects everything living on the earth from harmful ultraviolet uv rays from the sun. The ozone layer is expected to return to normal levels by about 2050. A dynamic equilibrium is maintained between the formation and decomposition of ozone.
The ozone layer is composed of ozone, a molecule made up of. Ozone layer plays a very vital role in the atmosphere. Basic ozone layer science ozone layer protection us epa. Ozone layer is also naturally broken down but there is a balance between its formation and natural depletion. The uv light that the ozone layer protects us from is a necessary component in the creation of ozone molecules. Ozone layer introduction the ozone layer refers to the ozone within stratosphere, where over 90% of the earths ozone resides. Ozone is a gas made up of molecules that are formed by three oxygen atoms.
Ozone in the stratospherea layer of the atmosphere between 15 and 50. The ozone layer is a layer of ozone gas o3 in the stratosphere of the earths atmosphere that lies around 10 to 30 miles 16 to 48 kilometers over the surface of the earth. Stratospheric ozone protection awards since 1990, epa has recognized outstanding achievement in ozone layer protection. Ozone layer the ozone layer is basically naturally occurring gas in the region of stratosphere where ozone particles are accumulated 2. The most commonly known example is the ozone layer, in which ozone is produced by ultra violet rays uv, which derive from the sun. National aeronautics and the ozone hole space administratio n. The maps were produced with data collected by statellite istruments, including the ozone monitoring instrument on the aura satellite. Find, read and cite all the research you need on researchgate. No, ozone depletion itself is not the principal cause of climate change. Frequently asked questions about the ozone layer ozone. Herb burack, in comprehensive series in photosciences, 2001.
Photolysis of atmospheric ozone in the ultraviolet region pdf. Experts blame ozonelayer depletion on manmade chem. When ultraviolet radiation strikes this layer of air, it interacts with the ozone and is chemically decomposed. Document information file name ch xxvii 2 volume vol2.
Ozone layer, region of the upper atmosphere, between roughly 15 and 35 km 9 and 22 miles above earths surface, containing relatively high concentrations of ozone molecules. Twenty questions and answers about the ozone layer. Timeline of stratospheric ozone depletion and observations. In the 1980s, this frightening prospect motivated the scientific community and policy makers of the world to address the issue of cfc production, which resulted in the 1987 montreal protocol. The ozone layer in the stratosphere is thin but powerful. Every year, since at least 1978, there is a sudden, rapid decrease in the stratospheric ozone levels at the end of the antarctic winter. However, because ozone absorbs solar radiation and is a greenhouse gas, ozone changes and climate change are linked in important ways. The concentration of ozone in the ozone layer is usually under 10 parts ozone per million 5. Hence, cfcs are transporting agents that are responsible for damaging the ozone layer.
Ozone is found in the stratosphere, a layer of air that encircles the globe approximately 6 to 30 miles above its surface. Pdf causes of ozone layer depletion and its effects on. During the long winter months of darkness over the antarctic, atmospheric temperatures drop. Ozone is unstable and decomposes to molecular oxygen. Let us dig deep into what is ozone layer, how it is formed, causes and effects of ozone depletion and measures to prevent it. The ozone layer is located at the height from 20 to 40 km above the sea level, and it is located in the lower part of the stratosphere layer, as it is the first layer of the atmospheric envelope which contains a suitable amount of oxygen gas, and it also faces the ultraviolet radiations that emitted from the sun the structure of the ozone layer. The subtropical ground ozone concentration in northern hemisphere is twice the corresponding region in southern hemisphere 5.
It has been found that this protective ozone layer is getting depleted because of the presence of cfc chlorofluorocarbon compounds. Although it represents only a tiny fraction of the atmosphere, ozone is crucial for life on earth. Ozone layer is a most important layer for the existence of the earth. These radiations can cause skin cancer in the humans. In the last thirty years, it has been discovered that stratospheric ozone is depleting as a result of anthropogenic pollutants. Project report on ozone depletion environmental pollution. The importance of the ozone layer and its structure you should know that the ozone layer is located at the height from 20 to 40 km above the sea level, and it is located in the. Why is the ozone layer important for life on earth. Ozone depletion ozone depletion ozone layer recovery. Ozone is naturally produced through certain types of chemical reactions. The importance of the ozone layer and its structure. Principally, an ozone molecule is nothing but an oxygen molecule that has received an extra oxygen atom by electric high voltage.
The ozone layer contains less than 10 parts per million of ozone, while the average ozone concentration in earths. It not only absorbs uv radiations but also the radiations of wavelength less than 3. In the upper atmosphere, atmospheric gases absorbs the suns radiation, get ionized, and release molecules. In 1975, the united states congress recognized the importance of. Even with the ozone filter, some ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth. Ozone is a naturally occurring gas that is found in two layers of the atmosphere. The ozone layer or ozone shield is a region of earths stratosphere that absorbs most of the. Ozone absorbs a band of ultraviolet radiation called uvb. Without the layer of ozone in the atmosphere, it would be very difficult for anything to survive on the surface. The ozone layer is not really a layer at all, but has become known as such because most ozone particles are scattered between 19 and 30 kilometers 12 to 30 miles up in the earths atmosphere, in a region called the stratosphere. The importance of ozone is defined by the fact that it protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Causes of ozone layer depletion and its effects on human. Ozone layer depletion causes, effects and solutions 7. Ozone present in the stratosphere forms a protective layer and known as ozone layer, ozonosphere or ozone umbrella its concentration in atmosphere is about 10 ppm. Pollution is when gases, smoke and chemicals are introduced into the environment in large doses that makes it harmful for humans, animals and plants. Access information on research and technical resources related to ozone layer science.
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